‘Boise, Idaho’ reviewed by Gordon the Optom

‘Boise, Idaho’ is a hilarious drama with satirical narration, written in 2012 by the multi-award winning, American playwright, Sean Michael Welch.

This 30-minute show is brief, but oozes quality. It is the first production of the year for the Black Martini Theatre, with tickets at the bargain price of $10. The show has its ‘curtain up’ at 7.00 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night until 2nd April in Studio 411 (the old rehearsal studio), near car park 4 in Murdoch University, Murdoch.

 

Designer, Nick Morant’s set is of a street café in Paris. The cream walls have a fleur-de-lis design, and paintings of Parisian scenes. There are two white, cast iron tables with matching chairs.

The bright, French costumes were by Ash Spring. The simple but effective lighting was designed by Shannen Precious, with the music and sound effects by Ryan Partridge. Stage Manager was Meagan Dux, assisted by Claire Tebbutt.

 

       The narrator (Hock Edwards) is a complex character, a blend of self-importance and the lack of feeling for other’s emotions. Sitting at a café table drinking a coffee, the narrator tells of how an American, Olston (Launcelot Ronzan) is here in Paris from Boise, Idaho on business; but he is cheating on his wife. His new love is Chastity (Tijana Simić), a beautiful woman who is totally in love with Olston, but is very aware of the instability of their relationship.

     As the couple talk passionately to each other, they are served by an efficient waiter (Tay Broadley). The narrator divulges to us that the waiter is an ex-lover of Chastity; as he does, Chastity becomes aware that this strange man, sitting on the table adjacent to theirs, is actually talking about Olston and herself.

     Olston challenges the narrator, but the result is a surprise to the couple.

 

Director, Luke Gratton, has perfectly captured the required genre. It is a very dry play, acted straight but tongue firmly in cheek. The story has a very funny undercurrent, ensuring plenty of smiles and belly laughs. The cast are perfectly tuned in, milking every situation. Even when the situation becomes ‘riotous’, the couple never flinch.

A very funny show, presented perfectly.